John Monash Science School

Since opening to senior students in 2010, John Monash Science School (JMSS) has quickly become one of Victoria’s most innovative and highest performing Government schools.
As the state’s first specialist senior secondary school focusing on science, mathematics and associated technologies, JMSS has grown substantially over the past eight years, and now accommodates 640 students in Years 10, 11 and 12 (VCE) from all over Victoria.
A select entry school, we cater for curious students who are problem solvers with a real passion and interest in science, offering a curriculum co-constructed with academics from Monash University along with a broad range of elective and extension subjects that utilise our state-of-the-art facilities and take full advantage of our position on Monash University’s Clayton campus.
We warmly welcome applications from prospective students to join us in either Year 10 or 11 in 2019, with our application and selection process beginning in April/May of each year.
More information on application and admissions can be found by visiting www.jmss.vic.edu.au/apply
Curriculum
Co-constructed with Monash academics, the curriculum at JMSS allows students to explore the cutting-edge of scientific knowledge and understanding in the areas of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, mathematics, engineering, biomedical science, geography and computer science.
To help achieve its aims as Victoria’s first specialist school for science, mathematics and associated technologies, the school has developed strong partnerships with researchers and academics across a broad mix of scientific fields at both Monash University and CSIRO – sharing resources and expertise and ensuring the courses offered across all year levels are rich, challenging, contemporary and relevant.
Throughout Years 10-12 the school has implemented the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS), the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the new National Curriculum, with co-location on the Monash University campus also allowing for university extension subjects to be offered to students in the senior years. In addition to core curriculum, every student has access to a range of co-curricular options, including opportunities to pursue learning and gain experience in languages, music, the arts, community service, leadership and sport.
JMSS believes in, and emphasises, a holistic education for all students, with a strong focus on personal wellbeing and empowerment, physical activity and leadership development becoming feature of life for students at the school.
Facilities
The physical environment at JMSS is very different from traditional schools.
Flexible learning spaces, combined with innovative team teaching practices, enable students to learn individually and in teams. Students use any combination of laptops, tablets, iPads and smartphones to research, problem-solve, organise, document, analyse, present and create digital objects, as well as to access references and resources from Monash University and beyond. All students develop individual learning portfolios informed by their own interests and abilities, and are frequently provided with opportunities to engage with lectures, research projects and experiential learning activities within the Monash University campus.
Location
JMSS is co-located on Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne’s south-east.
The university is well served by several metropolitan bus routes, while Huntingdale and Clayton train stations are also nearby.
Outreach
The school’s growing outreach program includes work with students and teachers from remote locations in regional Victoria and outer-metropolitan Melbourne, as well as local primary schools. As a founding member of the International Science Schools’ Network (ISSN), our partnerships with several international specialist science schools provide our students with unique opportunities to collaborate, share research and build friendships with equally passionate students across the globe through a large number of international exchange programs, exhibitions and science fairs.
Community members are welcome to join students, teachers, parents and Monash academics for our annual Science Fair in October of each year, and all prospective students, along with parents and family members are invited to attend our school information night, which usually occurs in April/May of each year.
Contact
For more information on John Monash Science School and our outreach programs, including our Science Fair and upcoming Information Evening for prospective students, please visit www.jmss.vic.edu.au/apply